Day Trips & Weekend Getaways
Best Day Trips & Weekend Getaways from Austin, TX
Austin sits at the edge of Hill Country, with swimming holes, live music, and scenic drives through one of Texas's most beautiful regions.
Hamilton Pool, Fredericksburg, and the Texas Hill Country wineries are Austin's playground.
Browse by Drive Time
Popular Interests
or browse all12 destinations near Austin
Longhorn Cavern State Park
Burnet, TX 78611
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.8 by 5.5k+ visitors) · 1 hr 15 min from Austin · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
TX, USA
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.8 by 9.0k+ visitors) · 1 hr 24 min from Austin · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Canyon Lake Gorge
Canyon Lake, TX 78133
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 0.3k+ visitors) · 1 hr 2 min from Austin · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Brackenridge Park
San Antonio, TX 78209
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 17.4k+ visitors) · 1 hr 20 min from Austin · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Hemisfair
TX 78205, USA
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 16.4k+ visitors) · 1 hr 20 min from Austin · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Mother Neff State Park
Moody, TX 76557
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 1.3k+ visitors) · 1 hr 28 min from Austin · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Natural Bridge Caverns
San Antonio, TX 78266
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 17.3k+ visitors) · 1 hr 9 min from Austin · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center
Round Mountain, TX 78663
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 0.6k+ visitors) · 48 min from Austin · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
San Antonio Botanical Garden
San Antonio, TX 78209
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.7 by 8.2k+ visitors) · 1 hr 20 min from Austin · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Chalk Ridge Falls Park
Belton, TX 76513
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.6 by 2.4k+ visitors) · 59 min from Austin · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Hanna Springs Sculpture Garden
Lampasas, TX 76550
Why this destination?
Recommended because: History destination · highly rated (4.6 by 0.3k+ visitors) · 1 hr 11 min from Austin · fits $10 - $25 budget
Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.
Old Tunnel State Park
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.6 by 1.2k+ visitors) · 1 hr 42 min from Austin · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best day trips from Austin, TX?
The best day trips from Austin include state parks, historic towns, scenic drives, wineries, and outdoor recreation. Our page shows top-rated destinations with real drive times, Google ratings, and budget estimates so you can pick the right trip for your schedule and interests.
How far should I drive for a day trip from Austin?
Most great day trips from Austin are between 1 and 3 hours away. Under an hour gets you local parks and nearby towns. Two to three hours opens up state parks, lakefront destinations, and small cities worth a full day of exploring.
What are cheap things to do near Austin?
Many of the best day trips near Austin are free or low-cost. State parks, hiking trails, scenic drives, and small-town Main Streets are all great options. Check the budget estimates on each destination card above to plan a trip that fits your wallet.
What is the best time of year for day trips from Austin?
Spring and fall are ideal for most destinations near Austin, with mild weather and smaller crowds. Summer is great for beaches and water activities. Winter works well for indoor attractions like museums, historic sites, and food-focused trips. Check the seasonal notes on each card for specific timing tips.
Are there weekend getaways near Austin?
Yes. Many destinations within 2-4 hours of Austin make excellent overnight trips. Look for spots with multiple activities, good dining, and nearby lodging. Use the "Plan This Trip" button on any card to start building an itinerary, or check our drive-time pages for destinations at specific distances. If you need a car, compare rental options to find the best deal.
Plan Your Stay
We may earn a commission when you book through these links.
Don't know where to go?
Tell us your interests, budget, and how far you want to drive. We'll find the perfect trip for you.
Surprise me